John Hayward (1938-2019)


The death of John Hayward on 12 May 2019 has robbed the world of medals and medal collecting of its most colourful personality. Quite literally a ‘household name’ to anyone interested in medals, John was perhaps most widely known when he had his central London premises at 17 Piccadilly Arcade, although even when that shop was sold,he continued to deal on his own account and to advise his many personal clients for the rest of his life. After serving in the Royal Air Force, he spent several years employed at the Royal Mint and it was here that he gleaned the ‘technical’ information [about the manufacture and naming of medals and decorations] which was to set him in such good stead as a dealer. In fact, when he left the Mint to become a dealer, he very soon established himself as the most technically knowledgeable expert in the United Kingdom and beyond. Commencing his business in Empire House, Piccadilly, it quickly expanded enough to justify a move to the more prestigious Piccadilly Arcade and the shop there became an instant ‘mecca’ for collectors from across the world, especially North America. Success bred success and, largely as a result of a highly innovative nationwide advertising campaign, John’s business rapidly became the leading player in the field. To further encourage collectors, he then turned to publishing both new books and, more significantly, reprinting old reference works, many of which were excessively rare official government publications which had long been virtually unobtainable.


In the late 1970s, despite his existing workload, he was persuaded by Christie’s to become consultant to their Medal Department which was looking to expand its activities. John threw himself into this new challenge with characteristic enthusiasm and his involvement resulted in immediate and significant benefits to his new employer. All this additional work took its toll, however, and in the early 1980s he decided to sell the shop and take semi-retirement. Fortunately for the medal collecting fraternity, this ‘semi- retirement’ didn’t last very long and, in no time at all, John was back in the vanguard of the hobby. When, in due time, Christie’s bought the Spink dealership, and transferred its numismatic department to the latter’s premises, John was obliged to change his allegiance and, rather ironically, began working for his former biggest competitor. It was in his time at Spink that John worked alongside Pierce Noonan, Mark Quayle, and Oliver Pepys, all now of Dix Noonan Webb. Each of them will testify to owing much to John and the generosity he showed in sharing his knowledge.


In recent years and up until the time of his death John worked as a consultant to Dix Noonan Webb, where he stayed active almost to the end. With his wisdom and expertise still much in demand by his loyal following of clients, he remained as keen as ever to chase a good medal until just a few days before his death. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.


Michael Naxton Curator Emeritus, Ashcroft Medal Collection


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